26 Jul 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a horse of a different colour, a pronouncement of victory, accustomed to the easy life, added bonus, after the Holy ghost is come upon you, ambassadors of Christ, and lo I am with always, baptizing them, cast blasphemous aspersions at Christ, endure to the end, even unto the end of the world, go ye therefore and teach all nations, grow in Christian maturity, hands on the plough, I'm halfway home, LOVE, make hay while the sun shines, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, never live perfect lives, not trying hard enough to spread the word, not turning back, reap the great harvest of unbelievers, resting on our laurels, rose-coloured glasses, second wind day, sincere trying, talk a good talk, teaching them to observe all things, thank God, the breath of life, the Christian life, the Great Commission, the risen Saviour, the triumphant living Lord, to a glorious future with Jesus, toguth sledding against a persistent enemy, unto the uttermost parts of the earth, we only grwo in tough times, Wednesday Wail, whatsoever I have commanded you, win souls for Christ, ye shall be witnesses unto me, ye shall receive power
Acts 1:8b. … and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
And then it was Wednesday, that restorative, second wind day! And it looks like it’s going to be a hot one in my area, for all my computer says about it is ‘HEAT!’ But whatever comes our way, we’re ready and able for it because we have the ONE and ONLY Jesus in our lives, through whom we can do and face anything! Wow! Which other faith can say that eh? NONE! And that’s why we must be careful to live our lives, without giving the heathen cause to cast nasty and blasphemous aspersions at Christ Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.
Oh, we’ll never live perfect lives, because we’re not perfectly made, and whatever we say or do, somebody will take umbrage at it, and refuse to come to Jesus for the awesome solace and refuge that He provides, but once we can truly say that we’ve tried, we’ve done our best, that’s all Jesus is looking for from us. It’s all in the sincere trying my fellow believers, and sadly that’s exactly where we’re falling down; not enough of us are trying hard enough to spread the good news gospel of Jesus, both in word and deed.
We’ve gotten so accustomed to the good things and the easy life that our world now provides that we’ve fallen prey to Satan’s deceits and lies and are just resting on our laurels, not making a sincere effort to win souls for Christ. But please, let’s remember that as His followers, we are His face down here on earth, and telling others about Him, and living the way He desires is one of our main responsibilities. We can’t remind us enough of the Great Commission Jesus gave to His disciples before He returned to heaven.
‘All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:18-20) Now friends, that was a very important moment in the annals of our faith, and it’s become even more important today as evil and ungodliness sweep our world.
And I just LOVE how the scholars explain its importance. ‘The Great Commission brings the first Gospel (that of Matthew) to a grand finale. Christianity is not represented here as the mere reverential devotion of disappointed men who honour their martyred leader. Here is a far different scene. The triumphant, living Lord sends forth His ambassadors to proclaim His gospel throughout all the world. The Great commission is not just and order but a pronouncement of victory by the risen Saviour through His disciples. All power or authority is now in the hands of Christ, in heaven and on earth. On the basis of that power and authority the Christian disciple is to carry out the Great Commission of the church.’
Wow! And it was so important that Christ reiterated it just before His ascension when He instructed the disciples to remain in Jerusalem: ‘But ye shall receive power, after (when) the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.’ (Acts 1:8)
And now I hope we all see the great importance of our position as followers, ambassadors and agents of Christ on this evil earth! It’s not a request of Jesus, but an order that we get out into the world and teach others about Him and all the good and wonderful news He’s brought to mankind. That is, if we are His sincere followers. And I can’t help but say this because it’s true; not enough of us are making a sincere effort to follow the directives of Christ’s order.
Yes, it is not always easy to live the way He desires, and sometimes it will call for some sacrifice, but look at how Christ sacrificed His sinless life for our sinful ones nuh, just think about all the ‘sufferation’ He bore for us, what’s a li’l pain here and there for Him eh? We should be glad to bear a li’l pain in His name, for that’s when we grow in Christian maturity. We don’t grow when times are good, only when they are tough.
But how many of us are truly interested in growing in Christian maturity eh, especially when it takes some pain? Not very many. We all talk a good talk, but when it comes time to walk that talk, it’s a horse of a different colour, we’re not so mouthy and brave then. But yuh know what, many of us see the Christian life through rose-coloured glasses, all joy and gladness, salvation and everlasting life, and because Jesus LOVES us so much, He won’t cause us any pain.
However, that’s a sad and sorrowful approach to Christianity, for remember Jesus’ requirements for being His disciple. ‘If any man will (desires to) come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23) That means that Christianity is not always wine and roses, or a Sunday walk in the park, but very often it’s tough sledding against a persistent and evil enemy called Satan, who is trying to undo all the good that Christ has done!
Oh my people, I do hope that I’m making some headway in convincing us of the great importance of our talk and behaviour as disciples of Christ. Remember we are all the unbelievers might ever see of him, and if we don’t reflect and mirror Him properly, then they will just turn away from His wonderful invitation. Now we don’t want to be responsible for people turning away from Christ, but for them turning to Him. So please, let’s wake up nuh man, time is running out, every day we’re a day closer to death and to Christ’s return and we need to make hay while the sun still shines, to get out into harvest and reap the great harvest of unbelievers that are there to be reaped. That’s our bounden duty!
And for those of us who are trying our best to do just that, let’s go home declaring (yesss!) our Wednesday Wail letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus! Altogether now! ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Then there’s this added bonus. (smile) If we endure to the end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Wow! Hope to see you at the end enjoying that even more glorious future! Much LOVE!
…working for Jesus carries many responsibilities…but the rewards are very worthwhile…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
28 Jun 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a smoke alert, among whom ye shine as lights of the world, an inferiority complex, bear your whoredoms, complaining means that God is not good enough, do all things without murmurings and disputings, endure to the end, halfway home, hands on the plough, how long shall I bear with this evil congregation, I will smite them with pestilence, if God spares life, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, know my breach of promise, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not turning back, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the Israelites constantly complained, the negative consequences of complaining, to a glorious future with Jesus, we love to complain, Wednesday Wail, would God we had died in Egypt, would God we had died in this wilderness, ye may be blameless and harmless, your carcasses shall fall in the wilderness, your children shall wander in the wilderness
Philippians 2:14. Do all things without murmurings (grumbling) and disputings:
Oh boy, are these days ever moving along swiftly. Can you believe it’s already Wednesday, not to mention the last few days of June. And to make matters even worse, today there’s a smoke alert in our area from the wildfires up north that apparently are still spewing out their pollution. And the real summer weather hasn’t even truly arrived. Yes, we have gotten a few hot days along the way, but not consistently, the air conditioners have hardly been on. (smile) It’s been more like springtime weather.
Let’s hope that July brings some consistently warm weather, so that we can complain that it’s ever so hot. Yuh know how we just LOVE to complain, especially when we get what we ask for and discover it’s not what we really want. And on that note, I think we are being guided to look at complaining in a more serious and biblical sense, because the Bible tells us in several scriptures about the negative consequences of complaining. And there seems to be so much relevant stuff on complaining that this might just have to run for two days. (smile)
Now, I guess the best place to begin is right at the beginning, where complaining first reared its ugly head with serious consequences. And that’s when the Israelites having seen all the miracles that the Lord had done for them on the way out of Egypt, once in the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land began murmuring and grumbling and about their situation. They complained about the lack of water, the lack of proper food, the lack of meat, etc. etc. Things got bad and the Lord threatened: ‘I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.’ (Num. 14:12)
Yes friends, the Lord was so tired with the ugly griping and complaining after all the wonderful things He’d done for them, that He was willing to destroy them and make a greater second nation for Moses. But Moses interceded on their behalf, pointing out how it would look if He destroyed them, when He was supposed to be their God and looking after them. And the Egyptians would have a field day spreading all kinds of nasty rumours. So the Lord listened to Moses’ wise words and relented, and instead of destroying Israel, He pardoned them. (Num. 14:1-20)
But they kept on complaining. And finally, the Lord’s patience wore thin. ‘And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur (grumble) against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you. Your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole (entire) number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me.
Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware (solemnly promised) to make you dwell therein, save Caleb of Jephunneh, and Joshua of Nun. But your little ones which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know (be acquainted with) the land which ye have despised. But as for you, your carcasses, they shall fall (die) in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in the wilderness (be shepherds) forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcasses be wasted in the wilderness.
After the number of days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities (guilt), even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise (rejection or opposition). I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die. And the men, which Moses sent to search (spy out) the land, who returned and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander (bad report) upon the land. Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the Lord, died by the plague before the Lord.’ (Num. 14:26-37)
Oh my people, yuh see what the evil of complaining accomplished. And how what you wish for can be used against you, for in verse 2, they had complained: ‘Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God that we had died in this wilderness.’ And they eventually got their wish after refusing to go into the Promised Land because of the negative report of ten of the twelve spies who went in and checked it out. That was a terrible slap in the face to God, because ‘Grumbling complaints directly or indirectly declare that God is not sufficiently good, faithful, loving, wise, powerful, or competent.’
So, none of them who came out of Egypt, except Caleb and Joshua, entered the Promised Land, but died in the wilderness. That’s because they were the only two spies who had positive reports on the land. Now you might say that was in the Old Testament and it doesn’t apply today. But you’ll be oh so wrong, for there’s this prominent scripture from Bruh Paul to the Philippians that refutes your contention. It quite clearly says: ‘Do all things without murmurings (grumbling) and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless (innocent), the sons (children) of God, without rebuke (fault), in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation (generation), among whom ye shine as the lights of the world.’ (Phil. 2:14-15)
Yes, my fellow believers, we are warned not to grumble and complain as we go through this tough life, but to be strong and steadfast, blameless, innocent and shining as the lights of the world that Jesus desires of us. And as we saw above, when we grumble and complain against God, it means we don’t consider Him good or strong enough to handle our problems. And believe me, if God could destroy His chosen people, the Israelites for constant complaining and disobedience, why wouldn’t He do likewise to us? No reason whatsoever!
And I know God claims to be patient and longsuffering, but what with all the sin and disobedience that’s running rampant in our world, I’m sure His patience is growing thin with us, just like it was with the Israelites way back then. And yuh see the lethal punishment that He can mete out. So please, as they say, a word to the wise is sufficient. Let’s be wise then and cut down on our complaining. That’s enough for today. More tomorrow, if God spares life. Let’s go home now declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.
Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And let’s remember, that if we endure with Jesus right down to the very end, that glorious future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! Much LOVE!
…when believers complain incessantly…it upsets God…gives Him and inferiority complex…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
21 Jun 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all the trees of the field shall clap their hands, an everlasting covenant, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off, be led forth with peace, break forth into singing ye mountains, express thanksgiving for rain and harvest, fill me with your unchanging light, God's way and thoughts are higher than ours, God's word would not return void, he that has ears to hear let him hear, help me to dwell in the abundance of your love, In Touch Devotional, in tune with Jesus, light peace truth and love, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not looking back at the past, repent and return to God, Satan behaves like a petulant child, settle me with your perfect peace, sincerely seek God's face, Sing O ye heavens, soften my heart to receive your truth, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the enemy tries to intimidate believers, the first day of summer, the fundametals of God nature, the God who forgives, the god who intervenes in history, the god who provides, the pastures are clothed with flocks, the river of God, the valleys are covered over with grain, they also sing, they shout for joy, to a glorious future with Jesus, Wednesday Wail, ye shall go out with joy
Psalm 65:12b. …and the little hills rejoice on every side.
Awright mih people, it’s Wednesday, the day we catch our second wind, and this 21 day of June is also the first day of summer! And it’s turned out to be a warm and sunshiny day with only a few clouds hovering overhead to try and intimidate us, as the enemy is constantly doing. But he just can’t accept the fact that he cannot intimidate true believers in Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings.
And what gets me about Satan is that he knows Jesus’ power, because he was created by Him, and then defeated by Him in the fight for control of heaven, then again in the tussle over hell, death and the grave, but like a young petulant child, still tries to get his way, when his or her parents are adamantly opposed to it.
But enough about Satan, let’s turn to our wonderful God, who LOVES us so many that He even sent His One Son, Jesus Christ to die for us so that we could be reconciled back to Him. And we’ll do that by saying this prayer in June’s In Touch Devotional that’s based on Psalm 65.
Please pray with me: ‘Lord, I know You are good, yet some days I doubt Your provision. Today, let me join my prayer with the psalmist’s and say, You make the sunrise and sunset shout for joy – please fill me with Your unchanging light. You settle the earth’s ridges – likewise, settle me with Your perfect peace. You soften the earth with showers – please soften my heart to receive your truth. You have crowned the year with goodness – help me dwell in the abundance of Your LOVE. Amen.’
Oh friends, isn’t that a wonderful prayer? It certainly is! And I like how it asks for the basics, the fundamentals of God’s nature; His light, peace, truth and LOVE! With those things flowing through us, we certainly don’t need anything else to live the abundant life that Christ died for us to have! Glory Be! And it’s only right that we should peruse the words of Bruh David from Psalm 65, verses 8-11, that that prayer was based on.
But before we get into it, here is some info from the scholars re the purpose of the psalm. ‘The psalm has a simple purpose: to express thanksgiving for rain and harvest, an appropriate subject in an agrarian economy. It is addressed to God in its entirety and presents Him as the God who forgives (vs. 1-4), the God who intervenes in history (vs. 5-8) and the God who provides (vs. 9-13)’ Now that gives us some idea of what the psalm is about, so let’s read verses 8 -11.
Bruh David wrote: ‘They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens (signs): thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice (shout for joy). Thou visitest (gives attention to) the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn (grain), when thou hast so provided for it.
Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing (growth) thereof. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop down fatness (abundance). They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn (grain); they shout for joy, they also sing.’ (Ps. 65:8-13)
Wow! What a wonderful and mighty God we serve my brethren! Yuh see how He prepares the earth for seed time and harvest, all out of His abundant majesty! And I couldn’t leave out those last two verses, because they too say a lot. (smile) I particularly like how Bruh David says: ‘the little hills rejoice on every side…and both the flock clothed pastures and corn filled valleys shout for joy and sing.’ You couldn’t find better imagery than that. And it’s what we should also be doing as we enjoy His new compassions and mercies every day.
And it’s all reminiscent of these two passages from Isaiah. The first one where he’s reminding Israel that the Lord has redeemed them, blotted out their transgressions and would return them to their land which would flourish, therefore they ought to repent and return to Him with joy and gladness. It says: ‘Sing, O ye heavens; for the Lord hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.’ (Is. 44:23)
Yes friends, even the very land will rejoice and shout for joy when the Lord renews it with His abundant grace and mercy. And the second verse is like unto the first (smile). It comes from that magnificent chapter 55, which opens with God inviting all who hunger and thirst to come to Him and eat and drink, buy stuff without money, instead of wasting our money on stuff that doesn’t satisfy.
In that chapter, God also promises an everlasting covenant with the Gentiles, like the one He’s established with Israel, and abundantly pardons those who sincerely seek His face, and where He lets us know that His thoughts and ways are greater than ours, and His word would not return void but do whatever it was sent out to do.
And as a glorious end to the chapter, he says: ‘For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir (cypress) tree, and instead of the brier (plants with prickly and thorny stems) shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.’ (Is. 55:12-13)
Oh my people what an important chapter that is, chocked full of all sorts of good things, especially God’s promise of salvation to ALL mankind, and the promise that His word would do exactly what He sends it out to do. We can’t ask for more than that, because it encompasses everything in a nutshell. (smile)
The kicker in it all though is for us to do our part, because in a covenant relationship both sides have duties and responsibilities to perform, and God has certainly done His part, but unfortunately we haven’t done ours to any worthwhile extent, that’s why we’re still suffering the indignities imposed on us by the enemy. And the ONLY WAY that will ever change is if we repent and return to God, sincerely seek His face and change our evil ways.
It’s as simple as that my fellow believers. And we all know that, but we’re just so stubborn, arrogant and prideful that we refuse to capitulate to Almighty God, our Creator, Controller and the most powerful Being in the universe! How foolish is that eh? But just remember that there are consequences to every action, for every action, there’s a reaction. And that’s a word to the wise. As Jesus says; ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear.’ (Matt. 11:15)
Now, for those of us who are sincerely trying to keep the faith, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus. Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday!
I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And let’s remember that if we endure with Jesus right down to the very end, that that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! Much LOVE!
…if we’re in tune with Jesus…then we should be joyful and singing His praises…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
26 Apr 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a cakewalk, a light unto my path, belly and backbone, Bibles gathering dust, catching our second wind, chances are your life isn't, disunity in Christ's church, elbow grease, endure to the end, even to the end of the world, halfway home, I am with you always, if your Bible is falling apart, looking forward to a glorious future with Jesus, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, New Bible, new broom sweep clean but old broom know the corners, not looking back, One Year Book of Bible promises, our spiritual journey, Ruth Harms Calkin, thank God, the Bible is God's Word, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the Great Commission, they word is a lamp unto my feet, treating it with kid's gloves, Wednesday Wail, with Jesus in our corner any thing is possible
Psalm 119:105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
So it’s Wednesday and we’re catching our second wind of this work week. Let’s hope that we made a positive difference in the opening days, that we were salty and bright like Jesus desires us to be, and that today will reenergize us, refill us with the Holy Spirit, so that we can continue the good work we’re doing in Jesus’ name down here on this abused and degenerate planet Earth.
And it’s of the utmost importance that we realize that if we ever hope to see positive changes in our world, that they will have to come from us, believers in Christ. It will have to be our elbow grease, belly and backbone that stands up against the very prevalent evil schemes and wiles of the devil and his evil cronies. No one else is going to want to, or be able to do it. But if we believe, with Jesus in our corner, then anything is possible, and if He wants us to take over the world then we can do so with His help. Yuh see how much success the first twelve disciples had in spreading the word.
However, to do that, we need to have the courage and desire to do it, the courage and desire that they possessed. And right now, it’s obvious that not enough of us possess those necessary qualities. And with the total disunity in Christ’s supposed church, it’s becoming a cakewalk for the evildoers, as they divide and conquer us with impunity. Yes friends, as a body, we’re falling down on the job, but that doesn’t mean as individuals we can’t make a decent difference.
And yes, it’s difficult when you’re fighting in your little corner of the world by yourself, but please, let’s not give up hope, because when Christ gave us the Great Commission, He promised in very positive and certain terms: ‘I am with you always, even until the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:20) That means He is always with us when we are doing His work, so there’s no need to fear or lack courage when we sincerely and enthusiastically decide to get out there and witness for Christ.
But enough of the negative aspects of our spiritual journey, let’s change the tempo. (smile) And I’ve found something in our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, that I don’t think I’ve ever shared before, but it’s truly interesting and rather appropriate in my life right now. It’s simply titled ‘New Bible!’
So please read with me: ‘This was an exciting day for me, Lord! This morning I opened my new Bible. Not a single word was circled Not a single phrase underlined. Now with each new day I can circle and underline again I can word-clutter the margins and I know what will happen. Lord – I’ll be asking as I read Why didn’t I see that before?
But even with the joy of the new Bible I’m going to miss my old one with its tattered pages – Its creased and torn edges. Oh, how many personal notes Are jotted on the margins How many God-whispered secrets. Yes, Lord, I’ll miss it. But thank You for a friend’s reminder: “If your Bible is falling apart Chances are your life isn’t.”
And that’s the gospel truth my brethren, because the falling apart of your Bible means that you’re in a lot, and thus the Word of the Lord is very prominent in your life, and you’re doing your best to be a good witness and disciple for Christ. And I can personally attest to what is written in the poem because my old Bible that I used to write the Bit, seven days a week for numerous years, was indeed falling apart on me at the end of last year, and I considered taking it to get it rebound because of the familiarity and ease of use. I even called up one binder about it, but never followed it up, and at the beginning of this year, simply bought a clean, brand new version of the old one instead.
And was it ever strange opening the new one and not seeing any underlining or stuff written in a kaleidoscope of colours. But with the passage of time, I’m getting accustomed to this new one. And although they are the same King James version, just a newer printing, there was something about the old one that I miss. I knew where to find everything I wanted. This one though is set up in a slightly different manner, and I’m still learning how to use it. The old one was also solid and could take the rough handling, but in comparison, this new one seems somewhat flimsy, and I find myself treating it with kid’s gloves
But I guess it’s like everything else nowadays, from humans to cars, to books, everything in these modern times is much more fragile, not as strong and sturdy, but they cost much more than the old versions though. (smile) And it all reminds me of the ole folks saying: ‘new broom sweep clean, but old broom know the corners.’ Yes, when you become accustomed to something, it’s hard to change to something newer, although the new thing might even function better.
Anyway, it’s all history right now. I’m into the new Good Library, and it’s telling me the same thing the old one did; ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ (Ps. 119:105) And so it is indeed my fellow believers! Be it torn and tattered or brand new and unblemished, the Good Library contains the same wonderful information, yesterday, today and forever! It leads and guides us on our earthly journey. It’s the believer’s guidebook for living. And that lamp unto my feet and light unto my path scripture was the verse associated with our poem.
Ah mih people, our world is slowly, but steadily falling apart, what with all the evil schemes and wiles being perpetrated in it each and every day, but as true believers, we just can’t sit around and allow it to happen. We need to make our voices heard and our actions felt, regardless of how small and infinitesimal they may be. That means continual reading and meditating on the Word, putting our Bibles to good use, letting them become torn and tattered by constant handling, and not allowing them to sit and gather dust, as so many are currently doing is so many Christian households.
Now, for those of us who are trying our best to live for Jesus, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And it’s been promised that if we endure with Jesus right down to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Wow! So, let’s use that as encouragement to endure to the very end nuh! Much LOVE!
…the Bible is God’s Word…and you can only learn about Him by reading it…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
19 Apr 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a crown of life, a crown of righteousness, a living hope, fight right down to the finish, godliness with contentment is great gain, hands on the plough, I have finished my course, I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith, joint heirs with Christ, lay hold on eternal life, living for Christ is not easy, LOVE, money is the root of all kinds of evil, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, never give up mode, not looking back, O man of God, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the fiery trial which is to try you, the Lord is faithful, the promise of salvation, the time of my departure is at hand, to a glorious future with Jesus, Wednesday Wail
2 Timothy 4:7. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith:
Awright, so we gone back to this cold weather nonsense. (smile) There were even some snowflakes yesterday evening, although they didn’t turn into anything serious. But just the very thought that we could still be seeing snow is annoying and frustrating. So when we awaken to this Wednesday morning cold and somewhat cloudy, it doesn’t do anything positive or good for one’s constitution, (smile)
But thankfully, the sun is fighting a valiant battle to come out, although the clouds don’t look like they intend to give up without a fierce fight. And that my dear brothers and sisters in Christ is how we are supposed to be as true followers of Christ; in never give up mode, fight right down to the finish! In fact, in Christ’s kingdom, the words ‘give up’ simply don’t exist, because there’s no need for them.
That echoes Bruh Paul’s words to Timothy, after telling him that ‘godliness with contentment is great gain, and money being the root of all kinds of evil and the evil deeds one can get into by LOVING money. (1 Tim. 6:6-10) He then advises him: ‘But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, LOVE, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed (confessed) a good profession (confession) before many witnesses.’ (1 Tim. 6:11-12)
Yes my fellow believers, that’s exactly how we should be going about Christ’s business as His ambassadors and agents on this earth; living as godly and righteously as we can, and always fighting the good fight of faith. So that at the end of our earthly days, we can make positive statements like Bruh Paul did. ‘But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure (death) is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that LOVE his appearing.’ (2 Tim. 4:5-8)
Ah friends, some of those things are not easy to do, like enduring afflictions with a good spirit, but we need to do them if we want to truly represent Christ and all that He stands for. James encourages us in the matter by saying. ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried (has been proved), he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that LOVE him.’ (James 1:12)
Now both apostles tell us about crowns we’ll receive if we stand strong and steadfast and bear our crosses right down to the very end, and what we need to remember is that our wonderful God never asks us to do stuff that He doesn’t give us the anointing to do. So although things might look difficult, sometimes even impossible, if it’s truly the will of God for our lives, then we will be able to do it.
And I can talk from personal experience there. Do you think that I’ve been writing this Bit on my own strength for the last sixteen years? Obviously not! And it wasn’t even my idea in the first place, but God’s, and I fought Him about doing it. But as always, if He is serious about something, He will prevail in the end, for He has more machinations than mankind can even dream of. (smile) And though my first attempts were laughable, simple one line verses, with His help and faithfulness I eventually worked up to now, where I’m writing too much.
And believe me when I say that some days I come to write the Bit and I don’t have a clue as to what to write, but ever so faithfully the Lord will show me something that He thinks I should write on. Now, it’s not always like the snap of my fingers, sometimes I have to work hard for it, checking all sorts of scriptures. At other times I just open the Good Book and a relevant verse jumps out at me. That’s why I can boldly acknowledge the Lord’s faithfulness when He gives you a task.
And it’s ever so important that whatever He asks us to do, we take it seriously and put out our best effort in accomplishing it. You’ll notice the big job that the Lord gave Bruh Paul to do; take the gospel to the Gentile world, and how he did it with zeal and enthusiasm, though he suffered mightily for it. And it’s obvious he could not have done it all in his own strength, but the Lord, having assigned him the task, made it possible for him to do a brilliant job.
Now, not many of us will have to suffer like Bruh Paul to accomplish our ministry, but there will be trials and tribulations regardless of how simple it might seem, and that’s when we have to rise up to the task, to stand up strong to whatever temptations or afflictions are blocking our way. We have to do like Peter says in his first epistle.
‘Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as (to the extent that) ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached (insulted) for the name of Christ, happy (blessed) are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of (blasphemed), but on your part he is glorified.’ (1 Pet. 4:12-14) Yes, those are indeed tough words to live by, but live by them we must.
Now here’s a li’l encouragement from Peter earlier on in the epistle. He writes: ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively (living) hope by the resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.’ (1 Pet. 1:3-5)
Oh my fellow saints isn’t it wonderful to know that God, through Christ Jesus has bought our sins and replaced them with righteousness and hope, of salvation, as well as an incorruptible inheritance that is laid up for us an heaven! Remember we’re joint heirs with Christ, so whatever He has in heaven we’ll share some of it, like the crowns of life and righteousness that James and Bruh Paul spoke of. So, since we have all the tools, the promises, the faith, the hope and wherewithal to do God’s will, please, let’s get serious and do it nuh, for He is depending on us, His earthly agents to make a positive difference down here on earth.
Now, for those of us who are intent on doing just that, let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus. In strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And remember that if we endure to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So let’s use it as an incentive to endure to the nuh! (smile) Much LOVE!
…living for Christ is not easy…but it’s certainly interesting and worthwhile…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
05 Apr 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, according to his divine power, add to your faith vortue, ambassadors for Christ, brotherly LOVE, ebdurance, endure to the end, faithfulness, gentleness, give diligence to make your calling and election sure, given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, godliness, grace and peace be multiplied unto you, halfway home, hands on the plough, hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, having escaped the corruption in the world through lust, joy, kindness, knowledge, LOVE, moral excellence, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, neither be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ, not turning back, paid for with a price, patience, peace, perseverance, self-control, so glad to be alive, spiritual maturity, spiritual truth, store your treasures in heaven, temperance, the fruit of the spirit, the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, them who have obtained like precious faith, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, to a glorious future with Jesus, Wednesday Wail, wisdom in spades, ye might be partakers of the divine nature
1 Peter 1:2.Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through (in) the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.
A good Wednesday morning to you, my fellow believers in Christ Jesus! The weather’s not great, and I can hear the rain falling outside, on what’s supposed to be a rainy day. And there couldn’t be a more fitting opening on this Wednesday of Holy Week, than this one by Peter at the beginning of his first epistle. He writes: ‘Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like (the same kind of) precious faith with us through the righteousness of (our) God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through (in) the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.’ (1 Pet. 1:1-2)
Yes friends, grace and peace to all you who have sincerely received Christ Jesus! It’s a great honour and privilege to be invited to receive Him. Why? Listen to how Peter explains it. ‘According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to (by) glory and virtue. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.’ (1 Pet. 1:3-4)
Oh my fellow saints, yuh see the immense benefits we enjoy when we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour! We are thoroughly blessed through numerous promises and acts of God, so that we can partake of His divine nature, and be able to fight the evil and corruption that’s in the world. What a great and caring God we serve my people! No other supposed god does that for His followers. ONLY the great I AM!
So, when we receive Christ, we receive salvation and all the other good things that believers get, like the indwelling of the Holy Ghost and the seeds of the fruit of the Spirit. But that’s not the end, in fact it’s just the beginning, because Christ expects us to follow the leading and guidance of His Holy Spirit as we live this earthly life, and also to nurture and grow those seeds of the Spirit which have been planted in us. That’s LOVE, joy, peace, patience, good ness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23)
In other words, after receiving Christ, believers are expected to grow, to mature in the Christian faith, in the same way that newborn babies start out by drinking milk, but gradually progress to eating solid food. It’s not good enough to just keep eating baby food for the rest of your lives, although that will not stop you from getting into heaven, but it will certainly cut down drastically on your heavenly rewards, since you will not be able to witness and have strong testimony for Christ, through which others, the unbelievers and the heathen are encouraged to come to Him.
Remember, we are the eyes, ears, hands, feet and mouths of Christ here on earth. The only chance some may have to see Christ is through you, through your witness and testimony. That’s why Peter continues in his writings to encourage believers to grow in spiritual maturity. ‘And beside this (but for this very reason), giving all diligence, (after salvation) add to your faith virtue (moral excellence); and to virtue knowledge (spiritual truth); And to knowledge temperance (self-control); and to temperance patience (endurance, perseverance); and to patience godliness (God-likeness);
And to godliness brotherly kindness (brotherly LOVE – Gr. philadelphian); and to brotherly kindness charity (volitional LOVE- Gr. agape – a decision to LOVE, not an emotional feeling). For if these things be in you (are yours), and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren (useless) nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off (short-sighted), and hath forgotten that he was purged (cleansed) from his old sins.’ (1 Pet. 1:5-9)
Yes my faithful brethren, those are areas in which we all need to grow in spiritual maturity. We are not all at the same level, but for all of us it’s a lifelong cycle. Yes, spiritual growth never ends for the Christian believer. Not until Christ takes them home. And in his epistle to the Philippians, Bruh Paul confirms that, when he says: ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform (complete) it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ (Phil. 1:6) Once God begins a good work in us, He won’t ever stop until Jesus comes for us.
And if we don’t aspire to spiritual maturity, we’re forgetting that we were cleansed of our sin by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, that we were bought with a price…and a very high one at that. And the least we can do is to improve our knowledge and spirituality as befits believers, so that we can be good ambassadors for Christ here on earth. And Peter continues to explain. ‘Wherefore the rather, brethren give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall (stumble): For so an entrance shall be ministered (supplied) unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.’ (1 Pet. 1:10-11)
And the scholars explain those last two verses thus. ‘Ye shall never fall: The author is not referring to falling from salvation but to failure in Christian living. The everlasting kingdom refers to the eternal realm of God where Jesus is the undisputed Ruler. It is synonymous with heaven. Thus the one who acquires the virtues of verses 5-7 will have a rich inheritance in heaven.’
And I know that all of us desire to have a rich inheritance in heaven, but we have to begin by working for it down here on earth. As Christ said, store up your treasures in heaven where they are well protected, rather than on earth where they can rot and rust and be stolen. That’s wisdom in spades friends! And for those of us who have sincerely taken those words to heart, let’s go home now declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus.
Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And having said all of that, let’s remember that if we endure until the very end, then the future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. Wow! I can’t wait to experience it! I hope you can’t too! Much LOVE!
…growing in spiritual maturity isn’t easy…but it’s surely interesting and worthwhile…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
15 Mar 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a great high priest, a harbinger, according to His abundant mercy, an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, blessed us with all spiritual blessings, come boldly unto the throne of grace, endure to the end, find grace to help in time of need, from God our Father, grace to you and peace, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, hold fast our profession, I'm not loking back, I'm so glad to be alive, in heavenly places, it bringeth forth fruit, lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, living for Christ brings heavenly blessings, living for Satan brings helllish curses, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my hands are on the plough, our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven, passed into the heavens, thank God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the enemies of the cross of Christ, the gospel produces godly character and noble conduct, the hope laid up for you in heaven, to a glorious future with Christ, vain deceit, we may obtain mercy, Wednesday Wail, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, where your treasure is there will be your heart also, word of truth of he gospel
Matthew 6:21. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Well friends, we’ve come full circle around again to another Wednesday, the middle of our work week. Some of us look forward to Wednesday as a sort of harbinger of Friday, that magic day when labour ceases for most of us. Yes, just two more days to go. But Wednesday, in and of itself is a very good day. It has all the new mercies and compassions that the other days have, and it also gives us another chance to get closer and more intimate with our Creator and to make a much needed difference in our crazy, turbulent world.. So please stop looking at Wednesday, just in terms of Friday. (smile)
And to show how special Wednesday can be, this morning we’ll open with the words of Bruh Paul to the church at Ephesus, a greeting that’s unlike any other greeting. So listen up, pay attention. My fellow saints, all over the world where this missive is read or heard, ‘Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be (worthy of praise is) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.’ (Eph. 1:2-3)
Yes friends, Bruh Paul has deemed the Lord as being worthy of much praise because of the spiritual blessings He has put aside for us in heaven, through His Son, Jesus Christ. And what are those spiritual blessings that are in our names in heaven. Here are a few of them, as noted by the scholars.
The first one is the Christian’s citizenship, which is listed in Bruh Paul’s letter to the Philippians, when he advises them to imitate him and not others who ‘are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is their shame, who mind (set their minds) on earthly things. For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence we also look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself.’ (Phil. 3:18b-21)
So, if we follow Christ, sincerely, the first thing we’re assured of is citizenship in heaven with Him. The scholars also note that our High Priest is in heaven. ‘Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into (through) the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched (sympathize) with the feeling of our infirmities (weaknesses), but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’ (Heb. 4:14-16)
Wow! What a wonderful high priest we have in heaven my brethren! One who can identify with all of our faults and frailties. It certainly does help to be able to go to Him and know that He will understand whatever we’re going through. Then there’s our hope. As Bruh Paul puts it in his missive to the Colossians.
‘We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the LOVE which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:’ (Col. 1:3-6)
And I like some of the scholars’ explanations of those verses. As per vs. 4, they say: Evidence of a person’s faith is Christ Jesus is his LOVE…to all the saints.’ And we cannot deny the truth in that statement. Then as per vs. 5, they explain that ‘Hope is salvation, as it refers to the object for which one hopes. While Word of truth of the gospel could be rendered as “the message of the gospel which is true.” This is meant to contradict the Colossian heresy: unlike its false teaching, or “vain deceit” (2:8), the gospel is true indeed.
And then in vs. 6, they explain that ‘The universal spread and effectiveness of the gospel verify the assertion in verse 5 that it is the truth. The Colossian heresy is merely local; while the gospel has come to the Colossians, it has gone beyond them in all the world. And it bringeth forth fruit; that is, when embraced by faith, the gospel produces godly character and noble conduct in its converts.’ Let’s hope that’s true of us my people.
Then we have our ‘inheritance’ which Peter talks of thus: ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively (living) hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.’ (1 Pet. 1:3-5)
Ah mih people, salvation begins a new stage of life for us, and we have that certain hope because it’s guaranteed by the death and resurrection of Christ. and our inheritance is imperishable, cannot rust, be tainted by moth, stolen or ravaged by the passing of time. And it’s securely preserved and guarded in heaven for us by our heavenly Father. Wow! Now why would I choose to bow down and worship any other god eh? No way Jose!
And lastly, we have our treasure stored up in heaven as spoken of by Jesus. ‘Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt (ruin), and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt (ruin), and where thieves do not break through and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’ (Matt. 6:10-21) And I do hope we’ve taken Jesus seriously and laid up our treasures in heaven rather than down here on earth, for it’s all safe and secure up there.
So you see friends, some of the spiritual blessings we have laid up for un in heaven by the Father through Christ, and which are ‘being progressively dispersed to us on earth in accord with our need and Christian growth.’ We couldn’t have a better life than that friends. That’s why it’s wise to hook up with Jesus and stay hooked up! Now for those of us who have done that, let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus!
Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And one last bit of encouragement. If we endure to the very end with Christ, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Much LOVE!
…if living for Christ brings heavenly blessings…why live for Satan which brings hellish curses…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
01 Mar 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: be not dismayed, be strong and of a good courage, but are not able to kill the soul, endure to the end, eternal life, faith versus fear, fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body, fear not, fear not them which kill the body, fear thou not, forgiveness, God is for me, halfway home, hands on the plough, I am thy God I will strenthen thee, I am with thee, I called upon the Lord in distress, I will not fear, I will trust in God, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness, it is better to trust in the Lord, Jesus wants us in heaven with Him, langniappe, LOVE, middle of the week Wednesday, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not turning back, o ye of little fiath, Satan wants us to end up in Hades with him, send faith to answer when fear comes knocking, set me in a large place, spreading Christ's marvellous gospel, than to put confidence in man, the annals of history, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the first day of March 2023, the good news of salvation, the gospel truth, the Lord answered me, the Lord is on my side, they that strive with thee shall perish, to a glorious future with Jesus, to put confidence in princes, Wednesday Wail, what can man do to me, What time I am afraid, wisdom to the nth degree
Psalm 118:6. The Lord is on my side: I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
And then it was a damp, cloudy, middle of the week Wednesday, the first day of March 2023. Can you believe it, February’s already over and done with, assigned to the annals of history! The days are certainly not waiting on anyone, they’re just ploughing ahead unceasingly in their God-given duties. And so should it be with us Christian believers; we ought to be relentlessly moving forward with the spreading of Christ’s marvellous gospel, the good news of salvation, forgiveness and eternal life!
Nothing ought to stop us, least of all the devil and his evil doing cronies. And why do we allow those evil doers to prevent us from doing Christ’s work eh? A lot of it is based on fear. But one of the biggest repeated commands in the Bible is ‘Fear not!’ And Jesus also asked several times, ‘Where is your faith?’ Then He also admonished ‘O ye of little faith!’ So, I guess a lot of our hesitation in doing Christ’s work is based on fear and lack of sufficient faith to overcome our fear. But we have to realize that FAITH is the ONLY thing that overcomes FEAR.
And today, it seems like a faith versus fear day, with scriptures that will enable us to build our faith and thus lessen our fear. And I guess the most alluring and confidence building scripture to start our journey is that marvellous one from the prophet Isaiah, where he instructs the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people thus: ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded (disgraced): they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.’ (Is. 41:10-11)
Wow! What awesome words of encouragement my people! That’s the Creator and Controller of the universe, the Almighty God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob telling us not to fear, that He will look after us with His mighty right hand! What more do we want eh? And please don’t tell me that that’s from the Old Testament and that the Lord was speaking to His chosen people of Israel, for who are you?
You are also His chosen. He sent His sinless Son Jesus Christ to sacrifice himself on the rugged cross of Calvary so that all of His creation, both Jews and Gentiles could be forgiven, reconciled to Him, and receive salvation and eternal life. That means, in no uncertain terms, that those scriptures on fear in both the Old and New Testament apply to all supposed believers in Christ Jesus!
And having cleared that up, (smile) let’s move on to this interesting scripture from Psalm 118, which says: ‘I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large (broad) place. The Lord is on my side: I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.’ (Ps. 118:5-9)
Yes friends, when you trust in the Lord, put your faith in Him, He works out everything for your good. The only problem is that you first have to put your faith and trust in Him, before you can see Him working in your life. And the more you trust Him, the more you will see His good works, and the more your faith will grow. Remember, Christianity is not for cowards.
Please note the strong tone the Lord used with Joshua when he made him the leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses. Having already told Joshua to be strong and courageous several times, (Josh. 1:2-8) He admonished him one last time for good measure. ‘Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.’ (Josh. 1:9) Now, I can’t say exactly why, but those scriptures from Joshua 1:7-9 are some of my favourite scriptures. They just light a fire in my bones. (smile)
And Bruh David adds his two cents worth to the situation, when he writes in Psalm 56, after the Philistines took him in Gath. ‘What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God have I put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me…When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.’ (Ps. 56:3-4, 9)
Oh my fellow believers can we sincerely utter those words? Do we know without a doubt that our great and wonderful God is for us? I certainly hope so. For until we do, we will not enjoy all of the many blessings available under His most generous umbrella of care and compassion.
And what does Jesus say about fear, you ask? Listen up as He warns. ‘And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both the soul and body in hell.’ (Matt. 10:28) And that person my friends is none other than the Lord God Jehovah; the ONLY ONE who can destroy both body and soul. So that’s where our first fear should lie, not in Satan and his evil doers. But even then, it’s not so much fear of God, but more a reverential awe of Him, because we know His awesome power.
By the way, here’s an interesting point from the scholars. They say: ‘Notice that God is the One who has authority to cast men into hell, and not Satan, who will himself be ultimately cast into everlasting fire.’ Now that’s something we should also consider, Satan can’t cast us into hell, but he can certainly help us get there, which is his raison d’etre, his reason for being, to inveigle us to go against God and eventually end up with him in hades. Conversely, Jesus wants us to end up with Him in heaven, so whom will you choose eh? Let’s hope Jesus.
And it seems like there’s so much to say on the subject of faith versus fear that we’ve run out of time and space today. That means, the Lord willing, we’ll continue this most important topic tomorrow. In the meanwhile, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.
Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Yes friends that’s the gospel truth! And when you add this langniappe, this li’l extra to it, that if we endure to the end, that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine, it encourages us even more to stick with Jesus to the very end. Now, that’s wisdom to the nth degree! Much LOVE!
…when fear comes a knocking…the best response…send faith to answer it…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
22 Feb 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a return to righteousness, a sad countenance, afflicted our soul, Ash Wednesday, bow down his head as a bulrush, clean and contrite hearts, delve deeper into God, endure to the end, find your own wilderness, halfway home, hands on the plough, I set my face unto the Lord God, in god's will, looking after the poor and needy, LOVE, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not turning baack, one on one tete a tetes, open your heart to God, outward ritual, reward thee openly, spend more time with God in Lent, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the fist of wickedness, the joys of the flesh, they have their reward, to a glorious future with Jesus, to seek by prayer and supplications, turn to God, Wednesday Wail, when ye fast be not as the hypocrites, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes, ye fast for strife
Daniel 9:3. And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
Behold my people, it’s Wednesday, the middle of our work week, and I’m chuckling here because my computer is telling me that snow’s a coming. The truth is that the snow is already here in the form of freezing rain. But anyway, snow or not, today is a big day in the life of believers, Ash Wednesday; the beginning of the 2023 Lenten season! And yes, all the carnival and the bacchanal done now for another year! Now it’s time to seriously turn to God and take a break from all the joys of the flesh that we’ve indulged in over the last few months.
Let us find our own wilderness to repent and come clean and clear with our God, for remember He is a Spirit, and to worship Him properly we need to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Therefore, on this Ash Wednesday morning, it’s of the utmost importance that we believers open up our souls and spirits to our great God and allow Him to come into them and refresh and renew them. It’s a time to do like Daniel and seek inward things, where he said. ‘And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:’ (Dan. 9:3) Then he went on to open his heart to God.
Now we don’t do much sackcloth and ashes in this modern era, but for those who think fasting helps them to get into deeper contact with God, then go ahead and fast, but not merely as an outward ritual, to show off your supposed spirituality to others, like the Pharisees of Jesus’ time did. But let it be a sincere process that has you earnestly seeking God and His holy will for your life.
Jesus said it this way: ‘Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites (pretenders), of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father, which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.’ (Matt. 6:16-17)
Remember friends, you can fool the people and yourself, but you can’t fool God. So whatever steps we take this Lenten Season to renew and deepen our spirituality, please, let’s make sure that it’s a conscious and true decision to really get right with our heavenly Father. Those forty days and night that Jesus spent fasting and praying in the wilderness, and being tempted by Satan, were not a mere ritual, but a means whereby He could be strengthened and made ready for the awesome but ever so difficult public ministry on which He was about to embark.
Likewise, whatever discipline we choose to embark on for this Lenten Season, in whatever wilderness we find ourselves, it ought to strengthen us, mentally, emotionally and spiritually so that we can continue doing a good job on Jesus’ behalf on this evil and godless earth, for that’s our avowed purpose. But whatever we do, be it more Bible study, or meditating on the word, or deep searching of our souls, fasting, sackcloth and ashes, (smile) let’s ensure that we spend more time with our wonderful Father these next forty days and nights of Lent.
And it doesn’t have to be anything heavy, but even just spending more quiet time with Him, talking to Him, opening our hearts to Him, and then listening to what He has to say in answer. Like Peter advises: ‘Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.’ (1 Pet. 5:6-7) Oh for sure, sometimes that’s the best way to go about it, for our God enjoys those li’l one on one tete a tetes with us, where we don’t hold back anything, don’t pretend to be who we are not, we just lay all of our cards on the table before Him.
You’ll be surprised at how cleansing and far-reaching that kind of approach can be. Because we stop hiding, stop dissimulating, stop pretending and free up our spirits and souls. And that’s when the Lord is able to do great work in us, when our spiritual arteries and veins are free and unclogged, not burdened by all the foolishness of this crazy world. Now let’s listen to this interesting conversation about fasting between God and the nation of Israel, through the prophet Isaiah.
As per Israel’s way of fasting, God said: ‘Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact (exploit) all your labours (labourers). Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite (strike) with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.’ (Is. 58:3-4) Basically nothing changed with Israel’s fasting, life went on as usual.
But here’s God’s take on fasting. ‘Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day of the Lord? Is this not the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens (bonds of the yoke), and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal (share) thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out (wandering) to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health (healing) shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward (rear guard). Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.’ (Is. 58:5-9a) Yes my fellow believers, that’s what the Lord expects from us when we fast and cry out to Him: a return to righteousness, looking after the poor and needy, breaking the yokes we have on others and coming to Him with clean and contrite hearts. So, let’s ensure that whatever we do this Lenten season, it is in God’s will and brings true glory to Him.
Now let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. In strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Then there’s li’l promise tacked on to that. If we endure right to the end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. Wow! We all surely want to see that, which means we’re going to endure to the end! Glory be my people! Much LOVE!
…Lent…a time to bestir ourselves…and delve deeper into God…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
15 Feb 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a well thumbed Bible, all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and doeth it not to him it is sin, be ye doers of the word, deceiving your own selves, endure to the end, explains the age0old problems of sin and suffering, for instruction in righteousness, glad to be alive, hands on the plough, helps cleanse us from the pollutions of sin, ignorance is no excuse, imparts strength, instructs us what to do, it explains the origin of man, live a holy life well pleasing to God, makes our lives fruitful, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, not hearers only, not looking back, not looking back at the past, points out the only way to salvation, profitable for doctrine reproof correction, provides us with a sword for victory over sin, the BIBLE, the Bible discovers sins and convicts us, the Bible reveals the truth about God, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the frontispiece of every home, the Good Library, the great purpose of the Bible, the inerrant Word of God, the Word of god, to a glorious future with Jesus, to him that knoweth to do good, to reveal the the living Word of God -Jesus Christ, Wednesday Wail
2 Timothy 3:16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Now I like weather forecasters, and I know that their job is tricky and not easy to gauge properly, but listen to my predicament this morning. I just opened my computer and saw the forecast for today as 9% C sunny. But outside it’s wet and chilly. Then I turned away for a minute only to see the forecast then saying, ‘temps plummet.’ And as I look at it a couple of minutes later, it now says ‘12% C cloudy.’ Brother all of that in less than ten minutes! So what’s a body to believe eh?
And sadly, that’s the way a lot of life is these days. You don’t know what’s truth from lies, for everybody is touting something they call the truth and claiming that everything else is a lie. How wonderful it is that we believers have the Bible, the Word of God, the greatest book ever written. But wait a minute, the Bible is not just one book, but a collection of books, 66, to be exact, and that makes it a Library, thus we call it the Good Library. Oh yes, it is indeed a library, covering all kinds of topics, like history, poetry, drama, biography, prophecy, philosophy, science, and it’s even good for just inspirational reading.
And above all else my faithful brethren, the Bible is the inerrant truth of God! That means there are absolutely NO ERRORS! For, as Bruh Paul wrote to Timothy: ‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.’ (2 Tim. 3:16) And as one commentator says: ‘The Bible has been given to us that we may live a holy life, well-pleasing to God. Therefore God says: ‘But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.’ (James 1:22)
Yes friends, we definitely need to be bigger doers of the word, if we expect to make a difference for Jesus down here on planet earth. But first we need to know the word, so that we can do it, and that takes constant reading, studying, meditating and praying on it. And when we have amassed some knowledge, then we must get out in the crazy world and use it for Jesus’ benefit. One serious reminder here on the subject of knowledge though. James tells us in no uncertain manner: ‘Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.’ James (4:17)
Now that doesn’t mean we can get away from doing good by saying we don’t, or didn’t know, because if you are a true believer in Christ Jesus, you ought to be studying the word and becoming more mature in the Christian life every day. So as the old saying goes: ‘Ignorance is no excuse.’ So, we all ought to be studying the word, for none of us have yet arrived at perfection, or true maturity, and then putting that word into sincere actions.
And I like this paragraph from the introduction of ‘How to study the Bible,’ found in my King James Version. It says: ‘The Bible alone truly answers the greatest questions that men of all ages have asked: ‘Where have I come from? ‘Where am I going?’ ‘Why am I here?’ ‘How can I know the truth?’ For the Bible reveals the truth about God, explains the origin of man, points out the only way to salvation and eternal life, and explains the age-old problem of sin and suffering.’
Wow! There’s no doubting that the Bible is the ONLY manual that can satisfactorily answer all those questions! Every other theory about mankind falters somewhere along the line, except the Bible. For instance, the Big Bang Theory. As far as I am concerned, that falters right at the very beginning; for what causes the Big Bang eh? Something or someone must have caused it. It doesn’t seem reasonable that just out of the blue, a big bang occurred and the world came to be. But it does seem reasonable that a mighty, omnipotent Spirit, created the world and all therein.
Anyway, however we slice it friends, the Bible is the most important book in our world, that’s why for eons they have been trying to get rid of it, but every year it’s still the best-selling book in our world! Take that you atheists, big bang theorists and whatever else have you! (smile) And by the way, a moment ago I looked at the weather forecast and it said, ‘temps plummet,’ now it’s saying ‘13C cloudy.’ Glory Hallelujah!
Oh, I just noticed this glorious ending to our Bit today on the Good Library. But before we get to it, the introduction to studying the Bible also says: ‘The great purpose of the written Word of God, the Bible, is to reveal the living Word of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 1:1-18)’ That’s also true, but what I want to really share are these seven great things that according to Dr. Wilbur M. Smith, studying the Bible will do for us.
(1) The Bible discovers sin and convicts us. (2) The Bible helps cleanse us from the pollutions of sin. (3) The Bible imparts strength. (4) The Bible instructs us in what we are to do. (5) The Bible provides us with a sword for victory over sin. (6) The Bible makes our lives fruitful. (7) The Bible gives us the power to pray.’ Mama Mia! Does any other Book or faith or whatever give us those many great aspects on life and living? Absolutely not! So please, let’s seriously consider all we’ve said today, and let it help us get into the word ever so much more, so that we can go out and do even more for Christ and our fallen world.
Now, for those of us who are in tune with that sentiment, let’s go home declaring (chuh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus! Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And we like to add this bit of encouragement every week; that if we endure right down to the very end with Jesus, then we’ll find that the future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So please, please let that help us to endure right to the very end with Jesus nuh. Much LOVE!
…a well thumbed Bible…should be the frontispiece of every home…along with the good works it engineers…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
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